Activists Want $12.50 Minimum Wage in D.C. on Ballot

D.C. Minimum Wage Battle

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WASHINGTON — Union leaders, clergy and other activists are launching an effort to put a major minimum wage increase on the District of Columbia ballot.

The D.C. Council is considering a minimum wage hike. Councilmember Vincent Orange says he plans to move a bill out of committee that would increase the city’s minimum wage from $8.25 to $11.50 an hour over the next three years.

Mayor Vincent Gray also supports a minimum wage increase, although he wants an independent study to determine the appropriate amount.

The activists pushing for a ballot initiative want a minimum wage of $12.50 an hour, which would be the highest in the nation. They say it would help address income inequality in the fast-growing city. They’ll discuss their plans outside the district government building on Tuesday.

WNEW’s Matt DelSignore contributed to this report. Follow him and WNEW on Twitter.